Activities and Groups
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For up-to-date information about activities at Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church, request a free subscription to our monthly newsletter, “Soundings,” and the Weekly Bulletin, here.
We encourage you to get involved in the life of Shoreline UU outside of Sunday services. You can connect through the many activities listed here. This page organizes activities into four major categories: Ministries, Groups, Standing Committees, and Elected Committees. All provide opportunities to just have fun, to meet others, and to do something to help others! To reach listed contact persons, please see the church directory or contact the office.
Click Here to View List of Chairs (Committees, Groups, Ministries)
Ministries
Adult Religious Exploration
Shoreline UU Church offers to the congregation and the community classes and programs for religious exploration, spiritual enrichment, intellectual development, and other opportunities for connection, deepening, and delight. Offerings are advertised in the monthly Soundings newsletter and weekly ebulletins. Members and friends of the congregation are enthusiastically encouraged to submit ideas and requests for new programming by emailing the office.
Chalice Circles
Chalice Circles are small-group ministry. They provide a structured way to explore important religious, spiritual, and other themes and to deepen relationships. They usually meet once a month, either in person or on Zoom. Most groups are oriented to thematic readings; participants have an opportunity to share and reflect or just listen. Contact the office to be put in touch with the Chalice Circle Coordinator.
Caring Ministry
The caring ministry of this church is done by everyone. The Care Team is a group of dedicated volunteers who work with the lead minister to coordinate the compassionate work of the church and provide a face to the caring ministry. Members, friends, and others may offer to make/purchase and bring meals to someone who is sick or recovering; give rides to appointments, church, etc.; send cards or emails; or and call. If you would like to be a part of the Care Team or offer care to members and friends of the congregation, contact the office. If you need care, please contact the office or the Minister.
Ministry of Children’s Religious Exploration
Each Sunday, a variety of activities help children and youth learn about our faith and explore ethical and philosophical questions. These activities are not just life-affirming and fun for kids, though; the adults who spend time in class frequently report that it is a deeply rewarding and spiritually clarifying experience to accompany kids on this journey! If you'd be interested in learning more about what it looks like to spend time with kids in our Religious Exploration classes, please talk to our Director of Religious Exploration, Chris Pollina, at [email protected].
Social Action Ministry
Social Action Ministry (SAM) assists the congregation to express our UU values by identifying, developing and communicating opportunities to assist those in need by direct action, or to influence public policy to create a more just world. Some of our current projects are listed on this page of our website. Contact the office.
Groups for religious exploration, companionship, and fun
AHA (Atheists, Humanists & Agnostics)
We are members, friends, and visitors of Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church who identify as atheists, humanists, and agnostics as well as theists. We gather to share our lives; talk about important issues through atheistic, humanistic, and agnostic lenses; and strive to make Shoreline UU more welcoming for all. The group usually meets the first Sunday each month at noon. Contact the office to be connected with the leaders.
Appreciating Elderhood
This gathering of elders takes place every other Friday, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. It currently takes place on Zoom, but it could return to in-person meetings at Shoreline UU. The meetings usually include time for each participant to share what is going on in their lives (this is called a "check in"), followed by a guided discussion and sharing on a pre-announced topics. Contact the office.
Weekly Game Night & Weekly Game Sunday
All ages are welcome to play a variety of games such as Carcassonne and Dominion; feel free to bring your own games! We meet on Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 pm and Sundays from 12:00 to 2:00 pm in the Emerson Room. Email [email protected].
Bridge Group
We are a group of around 20 folks in the church who like to play party bridge in a relaxed, social environment. We play twice a month at church in Threadgill Hall. Come join us! Contact Rick Wilson.
GreenSong CUUPS Pagan Group
Pagans of various paths come together to share our Earth-based spirituality in a UU context. GreenSong is a chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS). The group meets informally and gathers in circle at the solar holidays. Contact GreenSong at [email protected].
Men’s Group
The Men's Group meets on third Saturdays on Zoom, and fourth Saturdays at a local restaurant from 9:00 to 10:30 am (link on calendar.) All Shoreline UU men are welcome. The group has a topic of discussion for the Zoom meetings, and open discussions on the fourth Saturdays. Contact the office.
Owls of Minerva Book Group
The “Owls of Minerva” meet the first Wednesdays of every month from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Selections are published in the Soundings monthly newsletter. Contact the office.
Women’s Group
The Women's Group offers women diverse programming. The group meets in the beautiful Threadgill Hall on the first Saturday of the month, from 10:00 am to noon. We share a light brunch, including fruits, breads, meats & eggs together. We share our lives and usually have a presentation by one of the group members or someone invited from the wider community. All women, both cisgender and trans, are welcome. Contact the office for information.
Ministry & Operation Committees and Teams
Aesthetics
The Aesthetics Committee works to improve the aesthetics of our facility. They provide flower arrangements and décor for Sunday services and for special Sundays like gathering of the waters, day of the dead, flower communion, Christmas, etc. The goal is to provide décor that coordinates with the sermon. They make sure that the décor of the buildings, interior as well as exterior—paint color, rugs, furniture, wall art, etc.—is consistent throughout buildings. They also work with the Building and Grounds Committee to design the landscaping of the exterior spaces around the Dome and Davis buildings.
Building and Grounds
We take care of routine maintenance and plan for the longer-term enhancement of Shoreline UU’s Buildings and Grounds. Members clean gutters, replace furnace air-filters, cut the grass, pull weeds, and plant gardens. If you like exercise or have a “green thumb,” contact the office.
Fundraising
This committee plans Fun Fundraising events that support the church’s operating fund. The biggest fundraiser of the year is the church auction which has been held in the late fall for the last several years. If you would like to help with fundraising, or donate items, events, or services to the auction, please let the office administrator know.
Music
Music permeates the life of our congregation, from the smallest children singing Spirit of Life, to our Choir sharing a South African protest song, to all of us raising our voices together during the Sunday service. The Music Committee encourages congregants to share their musical gifts and creates a culture of musical abundance for all ages and abilities. The Choir, led by Wil Sederholm, provides music for Sunday services twice a month. Chancel musicians in our congregation provide music on other Sundays. To learn more or get involved, please contact Joyce Allison.
Choir
The Shoreline UU Choir provides musical offerings twice a month. The Choir practices most Thursday evenings. All are welcome and encouraged to add their voice to our fabulous choir. Contact Wil Sederholm for information about the choir schedule and practice.
Rentals
Building rentals help support the congregation financially while promoting our mission and giving us visibility to the wider community. The rental Committee works with the church administrator in managing rentals of our spaces. We have a clear rental policy and rate sheet to guide us, both of which we reevaluate annually. We also discuss ways to promote our space availability. Members of the Rental Committee can carry out most decision-making by phone, but we also meet several times a year. Contact Rick Wilson.
Seabeck Retreat Organizing Committee
Help organize a weekend of relaxation, fellowship, programs and fun for all ages held each fall at Seabeck Conference Center on Hood Canal. On the Seabeck Committee you can help plan for the event, recruit participants and run the retreat. Contact Renee at [email protected].
Stewardship
Every fall the stewardship drive conducts a pledge drive for the upcoming fiscal year. Members on the committee reach out to the congregation to educate them about the importance of each and every pledge. Sounds serious? It is, but this group makes it fun! Come by and get to know them!
Tech Team
The Tech Team provides equipment, technology and experienced technicians for the activities of sound reinforcement, video projection, video capture, recording, streaming, digital editing, and meeting hosting for about 55-60 events each year. These events include weekly Sunday morning services, church business meetings, committee meetings, selected all church events, and assisting rental groups with the same activities. Technicians rotate in small three and four person teams, so there is definitely the desire to add more persons with an interest in serving the community this way. This team works closely with Worship Planning, Chancel Musicians, and Aesthetics to help ensure the technology being deployed is sufficient for presenting the content that they bring to the services. Contact Sarah Dilling.
Welcome Team
Would you like to be a part of the group that helps make Shoreline UU a welcoming place? Join us! We set the “BUGs” in motion (baristas, ushers, and greeters—see details below), offer orientation classes, and welcome new members with Ingathering ceremonies. We meet on the second Wednesday of each month on Zoom from 7:00 to 8:00 pm and would love to have you share your ideas! Contact Markus Volke.
Baristas provide the "social lubricants" of coffee and tea. Before church baristas focus on brewing & setup, and after church they focus on serving & cleanup. Contact Rick Wilson.
Ushers help prepare for the worship service, hand out orders of worship, and collect the morning offering. A great way to meet and connect with our community. Contact Markus Volke.
Greeters - Each Sunday two volunteers greet everyone and encourage visitors to fill out a form which allows us to make follow-up calls. This is a wonderful way to serve the church and to get to know people who attend. Contact Markus Volke.
Worship Planning
At Shoreline UU, we build worship collaboratively. The Worship Planning Committee (WPC) plans and facilitates worship services in conjunction with the minister and other church committees. Included in our membership are representatives of Music, Aesthetics, Storytellers, Plate Share, Tech Team, Welcome Team, and members and friends of SUUC. There are countless opportunities to use all kinds of skills to help plan and contribute to services. No experience necessary! For more details, contact the minister.
Plate Share
One Sunday a month for nine months of the year, the congregation donates all of the money in our collection basket to a charitable organization voted on by the congregation. Members of the Plate Share Team works to coordinate with the recipient organization and share information with the congregation. Each Fall, the committee gathers nominations and organizes the congregation’s voting for nine charities to be recipients of a Plate Share during the next calendar year. For further information, contact the office.
Board Appointed and Elected Committees
Endowment
The Endowment Fund serves to advance the purposes of our faith community and establish a permanent financial base. The Endowment Committee manages the funds in line with our Unitarian Universalist values, investing in ethical and environmentally responsible associations. Contact Bob Beekman.
Committee on Ministry (CoM)
The goal of the Committee on Ministry is to work with the lead minister and each ministry, program, and committee of the church to help them review how they are meeting their goals and working with other ministries of the church to fulfill the church’s mission. Assessments of the minister conducted by the CoM incorporate input from the minister and leaders and members of the church in seven areas of ministry. Contact Dianne Carreri or Marley Banker.
Click Here to View List of Chairs (Committees, Groups, Ministries)
Ministries
Adult Religious Exploration
Shoreline UU Church offers to the congregation and the community classes and programs for religious exploration, spiritual enrichment, intellectual development, and other opportunities for connection, deepening, and delight. Offerings are advertised in the monthly Soundings newsletter and weekly ebulletins. Members and friends of the congregation are enthusiastically encouraged to submit ideas and requests for new programming by emailing the office.
Chalice Circles
Chalice Circles are small-group ministry. They provide a structured way to explore important religious, spiritual, and other themes and to deepen relationships. They usually meet once a month, either in person or on Zoom. Most groups are oriented to thematic readings; participants have an opportunity to share and reflect or just listen. Contact the office to be put in touch with the Chalice Circle Coordinator.
Caring Ministry
The caring ministry of this church is done by everyone. The Care Team is a group of dedicated volunteers who work with the lead minister to coordinate the compassionate work of the church and provide a face to the caring ministry. Members, friends, and others may offer to make/purchase and bring meals to someone who is sick or recovering; give rides to appointments, church, etc.; send cards or emails; or and call. If you would like to be a part of the Care Team or offer care to members and friends of the congregation, contact the office. If you need care, please contact the office or the Minister.
Ministry of Children’s Religious Exploration
Each Sunday, a variety of activities help children and youth learn about our faith and explore ethical and philosophical questions. These activities are not just life-affirming and fun for kids, though; the adults who spend time in class frequently report that it is a deeply rewarding and spiritually clarifying experience to accompany kids on this journey! If you'd be interested in learning more about what it looks like to spend time with kids in our Religious Exploration classes, please talk to our Director of Religious Exploration, Chris Pollina, at [email protected].
Social Action Ministry
Social Action Ministry (SAM) assists the congregation to express our UU values by identifying, developing and communicating opportunities to assist those in need by direct action, or to influence public policy to create a more just world. Some of our current projects are listed on this page of our website. Contact the office.
Groups for religious exploration, companionship, and fun
AHA (Atheists, Humanists & Agnostics)
We are members, friends, and visitors of Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church who identify as atheists, humanists, and agnostics as well as theists. We gather to share our lives; talk about important issues through atheistic, humanistic, and agnostic lenses; and strive to make Shoreline UU more welcoming for all. The group usually meets the first Sunday each month at noon. Contact the office to be connected with the leaders.
Appreciating Elderhood
This gathering of elders takes place every other Friday, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. It currently takes place on Zoom, but it could return to in-person meetings at Shoreline UU. The meetings usually include time for each participant to share what is going on in their lives (this is called a "check in"), followed by a guided discussion and sharing on a pre-announced topics. Contact the office.
Weekly Game Night & Weekly Game Sunday
All ages are welcome to play a variety of games such as Carcassonne and Dominion; feel free to bring your own games! We meet on Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 pm and Sundays from 12:00 to 2:00 pm in the Emerson Room. Email [email protected].
Bridge Group
We are a group of around 20 folks in the church who like to play party bridge in a relaxed, social environment. We play twice a month at church in Threadgill Hall. Come join us! Contact Rick Wilson.
GreenSong CUUPS Pagan Group
Pagans of various paths come together to share our Earth-based spirituality in a UU context. GreenSong is a chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS). The group meets informally and gathers in circle at the solar holidays. Contact GreenSong at [email protected].
Men’s Group
The Men's Group meets on third Saturdays on Zoom, and fourth Saturdays at a local restaurant from 9:00 to 10:30 am (link on calendar.) All Shoreline UU men are welcome. The group has a topic of discussion for the Zoom meetings, and open discussions on the fourth Saturdays. Contact the office.
Owls of Minerva Book Group
The “Owls of Minerva” meet the first Wednesdays of every month from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Selections are published in the Soundings monthly newsletter. Contact the office.
Women’s Group
The Women's Group offers women diverse programming. The group meets in the beautiful Threadgill Hall on the first Saturday of the month, from 10:00 am to noon. We share a light brunch, including fruits, breads, meats & eggs together. We share our lives and usually have a presentation by one of the group members or someone invited from the wider community. All women, both cisgender and trans, are welcome. Contact the office for information.
Ministry & Operation Committees and Teams
Aesthetics
The Aesthetics Committee works to improve the aesthetics of our facility. They provide flower arrangements and décor for Sunday services and for special Sundays like gathering of the waters, day of the dead, flower communion, Christmas, etc. The goal is to provide décor that coordinates with the sermon. They make sure that the décor of the buildings, interior as well as exterior—paint color, rugs, furniture, wall art, etc.—is consistent throughout buildings. They also work with the Building and Grounds Committee to design the landscaping of the exterior spaces around the Dome and Davis buildings.
Building and Grounds
We take care of routine maintenance and plan for the longer-term enhancement of Shoreline UU’s Buildings and Grounds. Members clean gutters, replace furnace air-filters, cut the grass, pull weeds, and plant gardens. If you like exercise or have a “green thumb,” contact the office.
Fundraising
This committee plans Fun Fundraising events that support the church’s operating fund. The biggest fundraiser of the year is the church auction which has been held in the late fall for the last several years. If you would like to help with fundraising, or donate items, events, or services to the auction, please let the office administrator know.
Music
Music permeates the life of our congregation, from the smallest children singing Spirit of Life, to our Choir sharing a South African protest song, to all of us raising our voices together during the Sunday service. The Music Committee encourages congregants to share their musical gifts and creates a culture of musical abundance for all ages and abilities. The Choir, led by Wil Sederholm, provides music for Sunday services twice a month. Chancel musicians in our congregation provide music on other Sundays. To learn more or get involved, please contact Joyce Allison.
Choir
The Shoreline UU Choir provides musical offerings twice a month. The Choir practices most Thursday evenings. All are welcome and encouraged to add their voice to our fabulous choir. Contact Wil Sederholm for information about the choir schedule and practice.
Rentals
Building rentals help support the congregation financially while promoting our mission and giving us visibility to the wider community. The rental Committee works with the church administrator in managing rentals of our spaces. We have a clear rental policy and rate sheet to guide us, both of which we reevaluate annually. We also discuss ways to promote our space availability. Members of the Rental Committee can carry out most decision-making by phone, but we also meet several times a year. Contact Rick Wilson.
Seabeck Retreat Organizing Committee
Help organize a weekend of relaxation, fellowship, programs and fun for all ages held each fall at Seabeck Conference Center on Hood Canal. On the Seabeck Committee you can help plan for the event, recruit participants and run the retreat. Contact Renee at [email protected].
Stewardship
Every fall the stewardship drive conducts a pledge drive for the upcoming fiscal year. Members on the committee reach out to the congregation to educate them about the importance of each and every pledge. Sounds serious? It is, but this group makes it fun! Come by and get to know them!
Tech Team
The Tech Team provides equipment, technology and experienced technicians for the activities of sound reinforcement, video projection, video capture, recording, streaming, digital editing, and meeting hosting for about 55-60 events each year. These events include weekly Sunday morning services, church business meetings, committee meetings, selected all church events, and assisting rental groups with the same activities. Technicians rotate in small three and four person teams, so there is definitely the desire to add more persons with an interest in serving the community this way. This team works closely with Worship Planning, Chancel Musicians, and Aesthetics to help ensure the technology being deployed is sufficient for presenting the content that they bring to the services. Contact Sarah Dilling.
Welcome Team
Would you like to be a part of the group that helps make Shoreline UU a welcoming place? Join us! We set the “BUGs” in motion (baristas, ushers, and greeters—see details below), offer orientation classes, and welcome new members with Ingathering ceremonies. We meet on the second Wednesday of each month on Zoom from 7:00 to 8:00 pm and would love to have you share your ideas! Contact Markus Volke.
Baristas provide the "social lubricants" of coffee and tea. Before church baristas focus on brewing & setup, and after church they focus on serving & cleanup. Contact Rick Wilson.
Ushers help prepare for the worship service, hand out orders of worship, and collect the morning offering. A great way to meet and connect with our community. Contact Markus Volke.
Greeters - Each Sunday two volunteers greet everyone and encourage visitors to fill out a form which allows us to make follow-up calls. This is a wonderful way to serve the church and to get to know people who attend. Contact Markus Volke.
Worship Planning
At Shoreline UU, we build worship collaboratively. The Worship Planning Committee (WPC) plans and facilitates worship services in conjunction with the minister and other church committees. Included in our membership are representatives of Music, Aesthetics, Storytellers, Plate Share, Tech Team, Welcome Team, and members and friends of SUUC. There are countless opportunities to use all kinds of skills to help plan and contribute to services. No experience necessary! For more details, contact the minister.
Plate Share
One Sunday a month for nine months of the year, the congregation donates all of the money in our collection basket to a charitable organization voted on by the congregation. Members of the Plate Share Team works to coordinate with the recipient organization and share information with the congregation. Each Fall, the committee gathers nominations and organizes the congregation’s voting for nine charities to be recipients of a Plate Share during the next calendar year. For further information, contact the office.
Board Appointed and Elected Committees
Endowment
The Endowment Fund serves to advance the purposes of our faith community and establish a permanent financial base. The Endowment Committee manages the funds in line with our Unitarian Universalist values, investing in ethical and environmentally responsible associations. Contact Bob Beekman.
Committee on Ministry (CoM)
The goal of the Committee on Ministry is to work with the lead minister and each ministry, program, and committee of the church to help them review how they are meeting their goals and working with other ministries of the church to fulfill the church’s mission. Assessments of the minister conducted by the CoM incorporate input from the minister and leaders and members of the church in seven areas of ministry. Contact Dianne Carreri or Marley Banker.
